Demolition, Renovation, and Big Events at Arts in the Sunset

Hardhats, big equipment, and chain link fence greeted me as I pulled into the parking lot of Arts in the Sunset. Renovations have been underway, and today we watched as portions of the building were being brought down.

Sarah Clark/TSM

It's bittersweet. While there is sadness watching "what was" get torn away, there is excitement for what is to come. Recently, we covered Project Sunset and the renovations that are coming.

Something that we neglected to mention (unintentionally) when we covered the renovations was the fate of the bingo hall. You'll be pleased to know that it still exists and has simply moved to the other side of the mall.

Sarah Clark/TSM

Another part of the renovation that is taking place is a big event coming up on August 13.

All Things Artful Art Festival is coming up next month. There will be opportunities for you to create, enjoy live music and food, and shop local art. There will be a handmade ceramic bowls that comes with the purchase of an adult ticket. The theme is "Alchemy of the Imagination."

Of course, the event will go to support the arts in Amarillo. The All Things Artful Art Festival is Amarillo Arts Institute's annual fundraiser, and the renovations will not be stopping it.

I'm excited to see what becomes of Arts in the Sunset. My first "night out" in Amarillo was to the art walk they used to have. It quickly became something I looked forward to.

I can't wait to build that same kind of feeling with the new facility.

Amarillo Botanical Gardens

The Amarillo Botanical Gardens is an oasis in the High Plans. If you haven't already been to this beautiful place, be sure to pop in for a visit. You'll fall in love with the beauty and color given by this place.

Ranchotel: The Forgotten Landmark of Old Route 66 in Amarillo, Texas

The Ranchotel, located at 2501 W. 6th St., is a product of Route 66's heyday.

When Americans first began long-distance automotive travel, they typically stayed in hotels or camped beside the road. In response, clever entrepreneurs began to build what were called tourist courts. The Ranchotel is one of these.

It was built in 1940 and until recently, it was considered one of the best preserved examples of Route 66's tourist facilities. It was placed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1995 and was well maintained until 2020.

Even now, in spite of the building's fading beauty, there is still the nostalgic air held by many a historic landmark.